This position requires that you become enrolled in AmeriCorps. If you are selected for this program please be sure to accept AmeriCorps during the SCA offer process. No travel allowance will be offered for this position even if it is stated on your confirmation of acceptance.
Due to Covid-19, events and trainings are subject to change in response to an increase in the number of cases in the Hudson Valley region. Such changes include, but are not limited to: trainings being held remotely, elimination of large-scale gatherings, and a reduction of education programs.
Conditions of Employment Required to demonstrate full vaccination status for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine; OR Receive from SCA a reasonable accommodation granting an exemption from vaccine requirements based on a medical disability or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Additional information and instructions regarding how to request a reasonable accommodation will be provided at the time of selection.
SCA Hudson Valley AmeriCorps partners with State and non-profit agencies to address the conservation needs of the Hudson River Watershed region. Corps members are placed at individual host sites, where service activities range from providing environmental education to underserved youth, to restoring streambanks along the Hudson River, and beyond. Members join together regularly for trainings, service projects, or other events.
Purpose of the Program:
Improve the health and resilience of the Hudson River estuary by conserving estuarine habitats through integrated education, training, stewardship, restoration, monitoring, and research programs.
Community Needs that the Program Serves:
The Program serves the community needs to understand and value the habitats of the Hudson River and to engage in multiple levels of stewardship to sustain these resources.
Values and Standards of the Program:
SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
AmeriCorps Member Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties and responsibilities will depend on the skills of the SCA member and availability of Reserve staff:
Help advance the goals of the Hudson River Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force by assisting the Training Program Coordinator in developing a monitoring network with HRNERR partners and community scientists. Help develop and deliver species identification workshops and outreach materials to facilitate identification, and assist with collaborative monitoring efforts in priority locations. (35%)
Help advance the goals of the Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project by
- Assisting with annual assessments of innovative shoreline projects for the Hudson River Sustainable Shorelines Project using a standard protocol; coordinate with land stewards, maintain records of observations and photographs in paper and electronic records. Summarize results and provide outreach on results to Reserve staff and organizations.
- Assisting with development, promotion, and delivery of webinars highlighting innovative shoreline design. Duties include developing content, finding appropriate expert speakers, identifying audiences, managing database of partners, assisting with outreach events, managing evaluative data, creating informational resources
- Creating educational materials to help promote the project online via the website and other relevant means
(35%)
Assist Training Program Coordinator in coordinating other collaborative research groups as needed (5%).
Assist Education, Research, and Stewardship Programs with field, education (K-16), and canoe trip programs as needed (10%).
Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects. Completion of AmeriCorps reporting requirements including bi-weekly timesheets, monthly reports, pre/post tests for any education provided, evaluations at the beginning, mid-point, and end of term. (15%)
How the AmeriCorps Member’s Role Aligns with the Organization:
The member’s role provides supplemental support for the training and stewardship programs, which are two of four key components of the Hudson River Reserve as well as assisting Reserve staff involved in research, education and management.
Performance Goals for the AmeriCorps Member:
Goal 1: Help plan and develop training event(s) on aquatic invasive species identification for community scientists and/or partners
Goal 2: Lead community scientists and/or partners in monitoring at least one site for aquatic invasive species
Goal 3: Carry out shoreline assessment protocol on at least five sites. Photo document two other sites. Communicate results to key audiences.
Goal 4: Assist the Training Coordinator in facilitating at least three public webinars
Candidate Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a federal background check
- BA or BS in environmental sciences, ecology, biology or natural resources or related field.
- MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint. Experience with website design and maintenance is desired.
- Experience with Geographic Positioning Systems, Geographic Information Systems (ARCGIS or QGIS) is required.
- Excellent organizational and computer skills.
- Education and outreach experience. Able to be out in field in all weather. Able to lift 50 pounds.
- Personal transportation is necessary.
- Knowledge of plant identification is a plus.
Skills:
- Experience with GPS and GIS. Experience with canoes and/or kayaks.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of plant identification, climate change, natural processes, estuary ecology.
Attributes:
- Self -directed and flexible. Attention to detail. Willing to learn new skills and increase knowledge of estuarine habitats. Love of the out-of-doors.
Benefits:
Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $6,495
Amount of living allowance member will receive:
$300/week living allowance
$1,000/month housing allowance upstate (if housing is not provided)
$1,100/month housing allowance in NYC (if housing is not provided)
Healthcare coverage (if applicable):
Eligible for free health insurance
Childcare coverage (if applicable):
Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
Training Opportunities:
All Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Hudson River Citizen Science curricula, Trail Skills, Project WILD curricula, and professional development. Optional trainings include Leave No Trace, American Canoe Association Quick Start Your Canoe, and other opportunities that arise.
Position ID: PO-00734685
Expected Dates: June 13, 2023 - November 14, 2023
Location:
Norrie Point Environmental Center
265 Norrie Point Way
Staatsburg, NY 12580
US
Handicap Accessible?: No
Main Area of Focus: Education and Interpretation
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
A personal vehicle is required to access amenities such as grocery store, libraries, etc. as well as travel to Hudson Valley Corps trainings and events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
It will be the member's responsibility to secure their own housing. Housing allowance provided.
US Citizenship: Yes